Preparing for Your Root Canal Referral: What to Expect

By Dr. Boris Zusin · Published August 1, 2026

Being told you need a root canal — and that we're sending you to a specialist for it — can feel like an extra, confusing step tacked onto an already stressful situation. Here's exactly how the process works from our end, so nothing feels like a surprise.

Step 1: Diagnosis and Imaging

We start with an exam and X-rays to confirm the tooth's nerve is involved and to understand the specific anatomy the endodontist will be working with — the number of canals, their shape, and any complicating factors.

Step 2: The Referral

We coordinate the referral directly with an endodontist we know and trust, sending your imaging and notes ahead of time so you're not starting from scratch at the new office. We'll also flag anything specific to your case worth knowing before your visit.

Step 3: The Root Canal Itself

The endodontist performs the procedure, typically in one or two visits depending on the tooth and how much infection is present. Most patients describe the actual experience as comparable to getting a filling, since local anesthesia keeps you numb throughout — the reputation root canals have for being painful mostly reflects the pain of the infection beforehand, not the procedure itself.

Step 4: Back to Us for Restoration

Once your root canal is complete, you come back to us for the final step — typically a custom crown — to fully protect and restore the tooth. We handle this part directly so you're never left wondering who to follow up with.

Preparing for a referral, or think you might need one? Learn more on our Root Canal Treatment page.